Preparatory Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory in Matharpacady Heritage Precinct commenced on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026. Daily, Prayer Leaders led the well attended services on the recital of the Rosary [dedicating each decade for a particular intention], the litany of Our Lady, litany of the Cross and litany of St. Roque [patron saint of the Village who had protected the residents from the scourge of the deadly plague that ravaged Bombay]. Boiled gram was distributed after the Novena every day, along with Ice cream or Patties on a couple of days which was donated by a couple of residents.
Catholic resident families with their relatives, guests and wellwishers gathered in large numbers in the heart of Matharpacady Heritage Village for the Feast Mass on Friday evening, 1st May 2026. Our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Savio de Sales, alongwith concelebrants Rev. Fr. Shavito Correia, both of the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Dockyard and Rev. Fr. Joyson of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers (SSS), were escorted in a solemn procession from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at ‘Eymard Cottage’ to the altar with the Relic of the True Cross. The Commentator, Mrs. Lynette Fernandes invited the congregation of around 400+ devout people to reflect deeply on the mystery of the Cross—its power to heal, to redeem, and to exalt. In an inspiring homily, Rev. Fr. Savio de Sales mentioned that our forefathers turned to prayer, trusting in the power of the Cross. Through their faith, they built this Cross which has protected the Village from time immemorable. He reminded us of how the crucifix is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us and encouraged us to put up the crucifix in our homes and religious institutions. The choir along with the musicians, gladdened the hearts of the faithful as they led in glorious song and praise to the Lord. Ms. Chloe Cardozo expressed deep gratitude to Rev. Fr. Savio de Sales and the other priests and also to the numerous people who have helped in some way or the other to make this Novena and Feast Celebrations a grand success.
Rev. Fr. Savio then solemnly blessed the people assembled at this large gathering with the Relic of the Holy Cross, as Mass ended . Families then went to the Holy Cross Oratory to kiss the Relic in veneration and collect their boiled gram from volunteers. Folk mingled around center stage exchanging feast day greetings and settled down for the Cultural Programme of Singing and Dancing staged by the kids and the live performance by the Mazagaon Serenaders (Directed by Daniel Dias) featuring songs sung in Konkani, Marathi and Portuguese accompanied by live musicians and traditional dances. A couple of games of housie followed thereafter. Snack boxes were also distributed to all gathered during the Cultural Programme.
Watch the video below of the Cultural Programme.
